Friday, August 16, 2013

BIG EYE

BIG EYE

Imagine 24 microsatellites of 1 m3 and 100 kg, each equipped with high resolution cameras, interferometers, spectrometers, analyzers of chemical composition of any matter or luminous object; orbiting around Saturn, another 24 around Jupiter, another 24 around Mars, another 12 around the moon, 12 around Ganymede, plus other 28, around the Earth, connected together, exchanging information and regularly sending the images to any home TV on Earth. Would be created then, the compared sciences: exo-meteorology, exo-vucanology, exo-seismology, etc., exceeding our understanding, tiny perspective and knowledge focused just on our planet. Then, we will regularly watch Google Mountain, Google Crater, Google Map on Mars, Saturn. That will happen very soon.

So, we must value the intentions of Project LiteSat, an Israeli firm specialized in Microsatellite Imaging System, which plans to launch soon 24 interconnected spatial microsatellites, transmitting high-resolution images. Its builders say that it is possible to launch up to 8 microsatellites in a single rocket, reaching heights of 300-350 km. Each microsatellite will carry 15 kg of photographic equipment, being scheduled to last five years. Microsatellites can pass over objectives up to 4 times a day. Microsatellites that can operate very close, in mosaic or synchronously can capture images less than 1 m long. Another company: SkySat-1 is ready to launch 28 microsatellites around the Earth to photograph the most populated regions on Earth, updating geological data, monitoring overfishing activities, melting glaciers and crops, worldwide. Planet Labs also plans to place 28 microsatellites around the Earth later this year. While some are concerned that these images mean monitor every citizen on Earth, others say not to worry, because in this way our planet will be more transparent and open.